By Raphael Oni
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo is set to lead other speakers as the maiden edition of UN Food Systems Summits (UNFSS) 2021 hold virtually.
The Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nations system in Nigeria is organizing Nigeria’s first national dialogue on the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) 2021. The dialogue, tagged, ‘Inception Dialogue’, is aimed at identifying food systems challenges from multiple perspectives; highlighting priority actions for Nigeria’s Food Systems and providing pathways to ensuring resilient and sustainable food systems in Nigeria by 2030.
In a press statement from the office of Oluseyi Soremekun – National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria made available to journalists read in part: “In Nigeria, the Food Systems Dialogue is required to improve nutrition security, reduce hunger and prevalence of malnutrition in line with the national food and nutrition policy for Nigeria. It will also create more inclusive, healthier food systems, encourage a collaborative approach towards building a sustainable food system and enhance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).”
Summit of this nature is needed this time especially with the food systems failing, and the Covid-19 pandemic is making things worse.
Osinbajo will deliver key note address at the online zoom meeting on Tuesday 23rd February 2021, which will attract participants around the world is expected to ensure inclusive and participatory dialogues across the country, the Nigeria National Food Systems Dialogues would engage all stakeholders, especially the media. The statement further said “The Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Food Systems Summit, Amina J. Mohammed, has therefore, invited all Member States to engage in the preparation of the Summit through encouraging action-oriented and inclusive dialogues.”
Honorable Ministers from Finance, Budget & Nat’l Planning; Agriculture; Water Resources; Women Affairs; Environment; and Health will also take part in the Summit.
